Submitted by San Juan County
San Juan County Council Chair Jane Fuller is hosting a community meeting on Lopez Island to discuss public safety measures during the hunting season with Federal, State, and County officials.
What: Public Safety Meeting
Where: Lopez Community Center, 204 Village Rd, Lopez Island
When: Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 4:30 -6 p.m.
Speakers for this public safety meeting will include staff from the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, San Juan County Land Bank, Sheriff’s Office, and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. There will not be an online / remote option to join.
Background:
In November of 2023, a hunting accident on Lopez Island resulted in the death of a hunter. After an investigation, it was determined that there was no probable cause that a crime was committed, there was no negligence, intent, or recklessness as defined by law, and this is a case of a tragic hunting accident that resulted in the death of the victim.
In response to concerns raised by numerous constituents since the fatality, Council Chair Fuller convened a meeting with key stakeholders responsible for managing hunting on publicly owned lands in our County. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss what happened and what resulted from any after-action review following the investigation.
This community meeting on Lopez Island on Oct. 8 will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more the incident, what has changed since in terms of the management of public lands where hunting is allowed, and share information and resources with members of the community on how to be safe during the hunting season.
Resources:
Federally owned lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, etc. State and federal lands all have different land management mandates that affect hunting regulations and permitting.
Hunting is regulated by the State via WDFW, which is tasked with “responsibly preserving, protecting, and perpetuating wildlife in the State, while maximizing hunting opportunities for all residents.” Visit the WDFW website to learn more about hunting in the State of Washington: https://wdfw.wa.gov/.
San Juan County Code (9.08), https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/SanJuanCounty/html/SanJuanCounty09/SanJuanCounty0908.html#:~:text=It%20is%20unlawful%20for%20any%20person%20to%20discharge%20upon%20or,original%20of%20such%20written%20permission, outlines weapons and hunting restrictions in San Juan County.
Hunting at Land Bank Preserves (Lopez Hill and Mount Grant) is limited to Black-tail deer only between Sept. 1 to Oct. 31. Find hunting information on Land Bank preserves here: https://sjclandbank.org/hunting-access-information/
Hunting is not allowed in Washington State Parks – https://parks.wa.gov/about/rules-and-safety/park-rules-and-regulations
The Bureau of Land Management regulates hunting on BLM lands, https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-programs/recreational-shooting
For San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Safe Shooting Tips go to https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1373
